Implikasies van die beëindiging van 'n saamwoonverhouding

Abstract

Die artikel bepaal welke regsgevolge voortvloei indien 'n saamwoon-verhouding tot 'n einde kom. Daar word eerstens na die posisie in Engeland gekyk met verwysing na vererwing, gesinsgeweld, 'n deliksaksie weens verlies aan onderhoud, verdeling van eiendom en minderjarige kinders. Daarna word die posisie in Swede in oenskou geneem op dieselfde basis. Laastens word die regsposisie in Suid-Afrika bespreek. Die gevolgtrekking is dat saamwoners hier te lande swakker af is as in meeste ander Westerse lande. Die howe hier het nag min leiding gegee oar die klassieke saamwoonverhouding se implikasies. Gevolglik weet saamwoners nie presies wat hulle te wagte kan wees indien so 'n verhouding eindig nie. Enkele voorstelle vir regshervorming word verskaf.

The purpose of the article is to ascertain which legal consequences follow when a "common law" marriage is dissolved. Firstly, the position in England is evaluated with specific reference to inheritance, family violence, a delictual action for loss of support, division of assets and minor children. Thereafter the position in Sweden is evaluated on the same basis. Lastly, the position in South Africa is discussed. It is concluded that participants to a common law marriage in South Africa do not enjoy the same protection as in most other Western countries. The Courts have given little assistance in this regard. Consequently people that live together cannot be certain of the consequences when their relationship is dissolved. Suggestions are provided for legal reform: